Important etiquette tips to help you and your massage therapist have the best massage possible.

Massage Etiquette - The Do's & Don'ts Of Massage

Webster's Dictionary (August 1995) defines etiquette as: (n.) the conventional requirements of polite behavior; proprieties of conduct;
good manners. How does etiquette apply to massage and the clients? Listed below are some things to consider when you book a massage
appointment.

If this is your first visit to the chosen massage therapy office, plan on arriving at least 10 minutes early. You
will probably have some paperwork to fill out, just as in a doctors office. If you are late arriving for a massage appointment, you
may not get the full amount of time allotted for your massage; because the therapist may have another client scheduled after you.If you must reschedule or cancel your appointment, please give as much notice as possible. Most massage offices require a 24 hour
notice for schedule changes. Each massage therapy office has a set office policies for scheduling or changing appointments. Most massage
therapists work on commission, so if you don't show up, or cancel at the last minute, the therapist will not get paid.

Turn off
your cell phone and leave your kids at home. Cell phones that ring constantly can interupt your massage or another clients massage
in the adjoining room. A massage therapy office is not a day-care center; leave your kids at home. Plan ahead and find a baby-sitter.
A crying baby will disrupt the entire massage office, toddler's and older children cannot be properly supervised while you are
on the massage table. Do not assume the receptionist (if there is one) is willing or wanting to watch your children.

The next
area of massage etiquette concerns you and the therapist. You will have an interview before your massage. The entire process, including draping
proceedures will be discussed. You may be excited to be getting your massage, but you must also pay attention to the therapist during
this interview. Ask questions if you are unsure of what is being discussed. Understanding everything that will take place; makes your
massage even more enjoyable.

If you were happy with the massage you received, offer a tip to your therapist! Most therapists
can and will accept tips. Even though you are paying for your massage service, your therapist will only get a portion of that fee.
If you are happy with the massage you received then offer a gratuity. Your therapist will appreciate the tip you leave for him/ her.
According to The Nest magazine (Winter 2008) The standard tip for massage therapy is 15-20% and during the holiday season a tip can
be up to the price of one session. Read more about tipping your massage therapist.

Sometimes a male client may get an erection during a massage. This happens when the client is in a very relaxed state; not because
he is sexually excited. Although this may be embarrassing for the client, it is not considered sexual misconduct. A good therapist
will go on with the massage and make no mention of the erection. If the client makes any improper gestures or references about the
erection, then this becomes sexual misconduct and the session will be immediately terminated.

The last thing that will be covered
in this massage etiqutte article is sexual conduct. Your professional massage therapist takes great pride in his/ her chosen profession.
They are there to offer help, to make you feel better, and give you the relief from pain, stress, and anxiety. Any sexual misconduct
by the client is a huge insult to the therapist. This includes, but is not limited to, offering or asking for sexual favors and exposing
yourself to the therapist. It is not only against the law, it is very offensive towards your therapist.